Field Experience

A Field-Based Model from the Start

Engaged field experiences are integrated throughout the Master of Science in Education program. These field experiences provide candidates with opportunities to work in community with students, educators, families, and others. These experiences are coordinated by our program and connected with coursework so candidates are supported in sensemaking as they develop pedagogical practices, understandings, dispositions, and professional reflection.

Candidates have opportunities to spend time in grade 5-12 classrooms throughout the entire two-year program, with experiences intentionally linked to their concurrent coursework. Thus, candidates leave with robust, multifaceted perspectives about teaching, learning, and schooling.

In the first year, students can apply for paid apprenticeship roles fulfilling paraprofessional responsibilities at a local school. These apprenticeships also fulfill field experience requirements.

In the second year, students enter a year-long placement in a single school with a mentor teacher—and may also combine this with their paid paraprofessional role in the same school. This means candidates can earn income while completing their degree, gain authentic teaching experience, and build relationships with a school that may hire them full-time after graduation.